Interest in fermented foods has skyrocketed as consumers learn of their many health benefits and unique flavors, prompting the festival to expand with a Los Angeles event later this year and a larger venue for the Santa Barbara festival.

“With our attendance growing year over year, our priority is to keep the intimate experience with local fermenters intact,” said Katie Hershfelt, Co-Founder. "Having this amazing venue will allow us to re-think our layout and adding a Los Angeles Fermentation Festival will keep more tickets available for Santa Barbara residents.”

Established in 2011, by Hershfelt and her mother, Lynn Hartman, the Santa Barbara Fermentation Festival has become an annual pilgrimage for many Los Angelenos.

“Looking at the numbers, a growing segment of our attendees over the last few years have been driving up the coast from Los Angeles,” said Wil Fernandez, Marketing Director. “With our deep focus on local fermenters, it just makes sense to add a Los Angeles Fermentation Festival.”

Proceeds from the festivals benefit local food and farming organizations, with past events generating thousands of dollars for the Center for Urban Agriculture at Fairview Gardens and the Weston A. Price Foundation.

Tickets for the Santa Barbara Fermentation Festival will go on sale on May 15, 2015.